RCMS Weekly Updates-Week of May 6, 2019


RCMS Front

Important Upcoming Events

May 23 - PTA Meeting, RCMS Library, 6:30PM

May 27 - Memorial Day holiday

May 30 - Last day for late buses and after school clubs/activities

May 31 - Anchor day

June 12 - 8th Grade Celebration, 6:30-9:00PM (RCMS 8th graders only)


Teacher Appreciation Week

SOL Testing Dates

Both 7th and 8th grade students will be taking the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) Tests in May.  The schedule is below and can be found on our website.  It is important that your child attend school on these days. If possible, please avoid scheduling trips or appointments that would take your child out of school during this time period. It is also important that your child have a good night’s rest and a healthy breakfast before testing.

The Virginia Department of Education requires students in grades 3-8 across the state to take the SOL tests. SOL tests measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills detailed in the Virginia Standards of Learning. Content areas that will be tested are shown for each grade level below.

SOL Test Dates

*8th graders enrolled in Geometry or Algebra 2  take their Mathematics SOL test on 5/13, then take Reading on 5/15. 

*8th graders enrolled in Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 take their Mathematics SOL test on 5/15, then take Reading on 5/13. 

The purpose of SOL testing is to provide information about student achievement to the parent, school, school division, and state. In most cases, test scores are available for parents at the end of the school year.  More information will be shared in May. 

SOLs and RAMADAN:

This spring, the SOL non-writing window will have a significant overlap with Ramadan, the Muslim holy month marked by daily fasting from sunrise to sunset. Only two days at the end of the expedited retake window fall completely outside this religious observance.

  • Ramadan 2019 begins the evening of Sunday, May 5 and ends with Eid-al-Fitr on Wednesday, June 5.
  • The middle school SOL non-writing window begins Monday, May 6, with all retakes completed by Friday, June 7.
  • Here is a link for additional information: https://www.fcps.edu/node/37645
  • All testing at Carson begins at 7:40AM. 

If you have questions about these state assessments, please contact your child’s counselor or our Assessment Coach, Maureen McLoughlin at mamcloughlin@fcps.edu.


Student Services Survey

The school counseling program at Rachel Carson Middle School is continuously exploring ways to strengthen our programs and services to reflect the most current needs of all students. To help us create and plan our programs, we would like your feedback. Please compete the following needs assessment survey no later than Friday, May 10, 2019.    Your input is very important to us and will be kept strictly confidential.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to complete this survey.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScW68NBNioh1GoAydXLyOHG4P2jgs5nyh3462yvC-xypmq9Sg/viewform?usp=pp_url


RCMS 101 Summer Program

Late Buses and After School Program Ending

The last day for late buses and after school clubs/activities will be Thursday, May 30.  If your child stays after school after this date, please make arrangements to have them picked up as soon as their activity ends. 


National Junior Honor Society

Information about applying to NJHS was emailed to eligible students’ fcpsschools.net email addresses on Monday, April 29. All seventh grade students who have maintained a 3.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in the first three quarters of seventh grade are invited to complete an application. The NJHS recognizes students for excellence in Scholarship, Character, Leadership, Citizenship, and Service.  Membership in the society indicates that a student attains, demonstrates, and promotes all of these qualities. NJHS applications are due to the box in the Main Office by Friday, May 17 at 2:30PM. 


8th Grade Celebration Tickets Now on Sale

8th Grade Celebration

NEON NIGHTS tickets are now on sale.  Tickets purchased prior to May 28 are $20. Ticket prices will increase to $25 on May 28.  In-person sales will only take place for 3 days in late May, so don't wait!  8th Grade Celebration Tickets

This year's 8th grade celebration will be held on June 12, 2018 from 6:30-9:00PM.  This fun-filled, festive send off for our 8th graders will include a DJ, karaoke, inflatables, photo booth, and plenty of refreshments!    It's sure to be a night of fun and friends that students won't want to miss! 


Other FCPS Schools are Sharing....

From South Lakes HS:  The South Lakes HS Athletic Booster Club is sponsoring summer camps for boys and girls basketball, field hockey, girls lacrosse, coed volleyball and football.  Registration is now open at this site: https://southlakehscamps.jumbula.com/#/home  .  Register now as space is limited!   For questions contact seahawkboostertreasurer@outlook.com 

From Oakton HS: Want to learn or perfect skills to be part of the Cougar Color Guard, or just learn how to spin flags, rifles, and sabers to impress friends and neighbors? Join us on Saturday afternoon May 18th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at OHS Door #6. No experience necessary: grab a friend and get ready to spin! Open to all students in the Oakton Pyramid 6th-12th grade - spread the word!  Coach Strebeck will provide information and answer questions.  Go to https://www.oaktonbands.org/colorguard/ and learn more about this great opportunity. Contact Coach Strebeck (mrstrebeck@fcps.edu) for more information.

From Oakton HS:  The Oakton High School Athletic Training Program is offering an opportunity for students to receive a sports health screening and pre-participation physical (PPE) on Monday May 13, 2019 from 5:30-8:00PM. . To register visit https://www.fcps.edu/athletic.preparticipation.screenings and follow the links for sports physicals.

From Westfield HS:  Run for Remembrance 5K and 1K - All runners and walkers too!  Westfield HS SGA will be coordinating the Run on Sunday May 19 at 8:00AM.  The Run will start and end at Westfield High School.  This year the proceeds will go to the American Heart Association and our local Ryan Lopynski Big Heart Foundation.  The Big Heart foundation provides free heart screenings for young athletes from age 12 to 26.  Screenings have been held in local high schools and also universities including George Mason and Virginia Tech.  Come join in on the fun and support these good causes!

Register at https://potomac.enmotive.com/events/register/2019-westfield-5k-run-for-remembrance